Where do you guys wash your car?
 

Yesterday when I was washing my car at my apartment complex's parking lot.
I encountered a woman that told me I'm not allowed to do so.
She said California is having a drought and it's against both the law and the complex's rule to wash my car using a water tap.
I got confirmation from the apartment office later on that I'm not allowed to wash my car in the complex.
I'm now so frustrated since I don't know where I can wash my car:(

how do you get running water in an apartment complex parking lot?

Maybe try a non running water wash. I think the problem is with runoff so if there is no active water source you should be good.

There are DIY places everywhere, the one place I tried it worked out pretty well, they condition the rinse water so you don't get spots and with avoiding the brushes and the high power spray you should be able to give it a nice rinse for only a couple bucks whilst still babying the paint.

Just an example, I have no idea how good it is, some can definitely be worth avoiding:
http://concord-ca.patch.com/listings...-easy-car-wash

Try the Garry Dean Wash Method, if it's allowed.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kY_S-fkgrE"]The Garry Dean Wash Method GDWM Infinite Use Detail Juice Anywhere Wash Bucket Waterless Car Wash Auto Wash Rinseless Car Wash - YouTube[/ame]

There's a laundry room beside with a water tap.

I used to go to those places, but I think their soap are not good enough.
I also don't want to rush myself as they usually have a time limit.
If I can't find a place available I might go back to those DIY washing stations, thank you anyway.

This method seems nice.
However, I don't think I will try that in my complex as I was already told I could not wash my car there.:(

It seems like you should look into a rinseless or waterless wash. Even though I have a garage and driveway to use, I still prefer to use a rinseless wash because I only use a total of ~4 gallons of water and there is less excess water to dry from crevices on the car. There is also a lot less run-off than using a traditional wash with rinsing.

The one that I've been using for the past few years is called Optimum No-Rinse. It's pretty popular on many detailing sites. Just do a search for ONR.

Recently, I've also tried using a waterless wash from Pinnacle, but I only save that for when the car is only lightly soiled. This is used somewhat like a quick detailer, so there is extremely little or no run-off. This might be the easiest way to get around your apartment's management.

I think you can talk your apartment management into letting you use a rinseless wash, as there are formulas that are environmentally friendly and there is very little run-off.

I'll give it a try.
Hope they will agree to let me using the rinseless wash method.

I'm luck that my mom owns an Esso gas station (or Exxon for you Americans), so I get free unlimited touch less car washes. I usually just run through twice in a row with the luxury car wash settings.

wilfredwong, I hope things work out with the rinseless wash. If not, you could always try a waterless wash.

I stay away from coin-op washes, whether or not it's a DIY with a brush or a touchless drive-through. You don't know what kinds of abrasives have been stuck on that brush, and it's very possible the soaps they offer are highly alkaline and strip/degrade whatever protective layer of wax/paint sealant you have on your paint - they have to be to effectively clean the car of dirt without agitation.

I don't trust whatever "wax" they offer is anymore durable than the little bit of wax they put into some quick detailers.

Classic Car Wash... around $15 for exterior and interior cleaning.

That's also why I decided to wash my car myself.
I just sent an email asking the apartment office for permission to use a rinseless or waterless wash.
Hope they will approve it.